experience our
philocreative
adult mini-camp
in the wilderness!

Brila is a registered Canadian charity offering bilingual educational programming that fuses philosophical dialogues and creative projects. For over 16 years, we have been hosting immersive experiences for all ages, including hundreds of Philocreation® programs for youth as well as adults! Check out some of our testimonials.

At our unique overnight camps, participants embark on daily creative challenges that uncover their sense of curiosity, imagination and social responsibility in a supportive, exciting atmosphere set in a beautiful natural environment. We inspire participants to take part in a flurry of philosophical dialogues, creative projects and conceptual games, setting the stage for producing their very own "philozine"—or philosophical magazine—as storytellers, illustrators, photographers, multimedia artists, designers, performers and more.

Any and all adults aged 18 and up, who have big hearts, bold thoughts and spirited imaginations! Our adult programs attract a wide range of people of all ages, from educators and artists to activists, entrepreneurs and students, which creates a beautiful mix of backgrounds and perspectives. Both anglophones and francophones are welcome. No previous experience necessary: even if you have never done collaborative philosophy and cannot remember your last artistic adventure, you will feel right at home in our program. Spaces are limited so register now!

Although we obviously love working with youth, this program is designed for adults specifically and does not include childcare. If you would like to experience a Philocreation® program with your kids, we encourage you to sign up for our philo-family day. And while we are also big fans of animals, we ask that you leave your pets at home.

Our camps now take place at our new headquarters in the wilderness just one hour north of Montréal in the Lanaudière region. This beautiful 96-acre space boasts a lake, a forest, a field, eco-friendly lodgings and more, to enable truly immersive philocreative experiences in nature. In addition to fabulous outdoor experiences, participants will also get to think and create in our dedicated indoor workshop spaces and our lovely wood cabins and medieval tents. Check out the video above to get a sneak peek!

Though participants are responsible for their own transport to and from camp, we are happy to help with carpooling arrangements for those who need it. Additional details are provided to participants in the info-letter sent prior to camp!

Our adult mini-camp runs from the late afternoon on Friday, August 18 to the late afternoon on Sunday, August 20 (2.5 days, 2 nights). The schedule is jam-packed with innovative workshops that boost creativity by blending creative projects with intriguing thought experiments and engaging group dialogues. Participants share meals together as well as evening activities such as campfires, live music and games facilitated by our passionate team.

Each day includes free time during which participants can choose outdoor activities—from swimming and kayaking to hiking and team sports—or opt to relax, whether by reading a good book by the lake or taking a nap in one of our hammocks. Participants are expected to attend the whole program—since activities build on each other, absences are highly discouraged!

Brila is propelled and energized by its dedicated team of experts who are seasoned facilitators with advanced graduate degrees in philosophy, pedagogy and mental health. Our team loves engaging in creative philosophy with curious minds of all ages!

To ensure everyone's well-being, our staff are first aid certified by the Heart and Stroke Foundation and by the Canadian Wilderness Medical Training, undergo an official police background check, adhere to our charity code of conduct and have references checked prior to joining our team. We also have a lifeguard and a medical doctor on site!

We offer healthy, delicious meals and snacks, cooked in our kitchen. Everyone shares meals together at our outdoor tables overlooking the lake or in our indoor dining area. Most meals are served buffet style so participants can choose what (and how much!) they would like to eat. Our food philosophy is to have a local, vegetarian base to our meals then offer a variety of additions and creative twists to satisfy even the fussiest taste buds!

Though we are a small camp, we can accommodate most dietary needs, including nut allergies and gluten restrictions. We will be delighted to discuss any requirements with you! There is a grocery store and farmer’s market nearby for those who would like to purchase their own snacks and store them in our pantry.
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Our sleeping arrangements have a cozy “glamping” feel to ensure all participants are happy and comfortable in our cabins and fancy bell tents, equipped with high-quality twin mattresses. Lodging is determined with the help of participants according to their preferences for rest and relaxation!

Before camp, participants will receive a detailed info-letter providing all the specifics regarding the program, including a suggested packing list and tips to prepare. We are an unplugged camp, meaning that we offer an immersive experience without internet or cell connection, though we use our on-site technology for many creative projects, from photography to film to music recordings. Of course, we do have wifi access in our offices for participants who may need it and most cell phones have decent reception.

If they would like, participants may also bring games, musical instruments, sports equipment, art supplies, costumes and more, to enhance their experience and fuel inspiration! Though we will try our utmost to keep personal belongings safe, Brila is not responsible for any lost, stolen or missing items.

For years, adults have been asking us to host a summer mini-camp for the young at heart, so this program is entirely for recreational purposes. It is not part of our range of training programs since the goal is not to learn philosophical facilitation with the aim to offer Philocreation® workshops to youth and communities. Instead, this is a fun-size, short-and-sweet immersive experience designed for adults who enjoy philocreative activities for their own sake… and want a chance to think and make outside the box!

If you are interested in being trained or certified in Philocreation®, please join our mailing list to find out about upcoming programs.

Indeed! As a charity, Brila prides itself on offering cost-effective programming that is eco-friendly and resource-savvy so access is never a problem. We have a student rate as well as full and partial bursaries available, thanks to generous funding from our partners. Bursary funds are distributed on the basis of financial need and granted to those who would be unable to attend camp without financial assistance. Applications are assessed in the order they are received and recipients are notified in the spring. To apply, please email us.

By all means, please get in touch with us! You can reach us by phone at 438.338.5956 or by email at info@brila.org. Plus, prior to camp, all participants will receive an info-letter from Brila's team!